Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Newsletter Volume 3 Summer 2015 Issue 3
www.govst.edu/studentaffairs
GSU Jaguars Accepted to NAIA! officially accepted by
Our student-athletes pledge to accept the Champions of Character five core values. They will do their best to represent their team, their teammates and themselves while striving to have the Integrity to know and do what is right; Respect the opponents, the officials, teammates, coach, themselves, and the game; take Responsibility by embracing opportunities to contribute; exemplify Sportsmanship by bringing their best to all competition and provide Servant Leadership where they serve the common good while striving to be a personal and team leader.
Summer 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome from the Dean Featured Student: Verana Stark
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Student Leadership Awards
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Career Services
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Relay for Life #SaveOurEducation
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Community Placement Results Welcome NODA Interns and New Cohort Advisor
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SALUTE Induction Emergency Contact Self Service
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Spring 2015 Snapshots
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Coach La Toshia Burrell and Coach Tony Bates showing what the NAIA Champions of Character stands for.
Tuesday, April 14 marked a significant milestone in the history of GSU Athletics, as the university was accepted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Acceptance into NAIA was commemorated with a launch of the new Athletics website and URL: www. GSUJaguars.com. The growth of Athletics, including the signing of our first competitive student athletes necessary to fill the rosters of seven sports teams, will be chronicled over the summer with the addition of a “sports” section in the GSUView. GSU Athletics will begin NAIA competition for the 2015-2016 season by fielding teams in women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s basketball. GSU Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach Tony Bates is encouraged by the positive attention NAIA acceptance has had for the university and its burgeoning athletics program. “I’m so excited and humbled to know in just a couple of months we will be competing in college intercollegiate athletics as a full member NAIA University. I can promise the Jaguar Family two things: we will compete in the classroom and on the playing field,” he said. 1
The NAIA is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., and is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens and to advance character-driven intercollegiate athletics. Initially, GSU will be placed in the Association for Independent Institutions (Aii) conference, which currently includes 25 institutions. GSU has also applied for membership in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC), one of 24 NAIA conferences, in hopes of becoming a member starting in the 2016-2017 season. CCAC has accepted GSU’s application and will be on GSU’s campus in July for an evaluation of our athletic facilities and athletics staff; a process similar to the recent NAIA campus visit. Joining the conference will give GSU scheduling benefits, cost-effective post season opportunities and an environment to build relationships and rivalries with other institutions.
Welcome from the Vice President of Student Affairs accomplished students participating in internships and academic seminars focused on civic engagement, national service and public policy. Other student success stories are highlighted in this summer issue of the Student Affairs Newsletter that feature select graduates, recipients of leadership awards, and student veterans who have excelled in the classroom in the same manner they have served our country.
This has been quite a year! As we look back, it’s hard not to be amazed by all that’s been accomplished. We admitted our first freshmen (soon to be sophomores), opened Prairie Place, hosted our first exhibition season of Men and Women’s Basketball, held our first Family and Friends Weekend, expanded leadership education efforts, and much more.
One of my favorite features of summer in higher education, is that is serves as a wonderful bridge of memories made, and memories in the making. As much as was accomplished last year, I know that as a community we will build on a successful year, and continue to grow and reach even higher heights. Please do not hesitate to visit my office, located in A-2134, if I can be of assistance. Even if you don’t need anything, stop in and simply visit!
These events are all now memories, many of which are captured in photos. I hope you have taken a moment to view many photos available at: http://picasaweb.google.com/govst.student.affairs expertly taken by Verana Stark, BFA ’15.
Sincerely, Dr. Aurélio Manuel Valente Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
In the midst of many institutional accomplishments, there are many more individual student success stories. Our family focused campus was highlighted when Karolyn Grissom, her daughter, Pamela Jones, and grandson Mathew Brown, each received their bachelor’s degree in Communication; and when brothers Sondale Conner and Saieed Ivey both became members of GSU’s exhibition Men’s basketball team. For the first time two GSU students, Shahenaz Ahmad and Ricca Louissaint, were among the
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Featured Student: Verana Stark Verana Stark, a Hesseville, Indiana resident and newly minted BFA graduate, has used her work-study award as the Student Affairs Event Photographer for the past two years, and captured this transformational year in pictures which are posted in http://picasaweb.google.com/govst.student.affairs. Verana primarily works in the medium of photography but also works in the mediums of painting, drawing, electronic drawing, and printmaking. Verana earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts Degree with a Concentration in Photography and Digital Imaging. She was a participant in the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Student Art Shows and a participant in the 2014 President’s Exhibit at Governors State University. Her printmaking work was showcased in the GSU Library from 2012-2014 as part of a Student Printmaking Art Display. Verana created a panoramic style photograph that is a main display piece for a family owned 50’s style restaurant in Highland, Indiana. A single mother and a domestic violence survivor, she has held a 4.0 GPA at GSU earning her inductions into the Tau Sigma and Alpha Sigma Lambda Honorary Societies. She also was presented with the Women’s Opportunity Award by Soroptimist International of Illiana in support and recognition of her efforts to enhance her career potential. Verana has been capturing photos and crafting artwork since she was a young child.
Verana Stark hanging out with Jax.
You can check out more of Verana’s creations on her website: www.verana-stark.artistwebsites.com 2
Student Leadership Awards The 3rd Annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet was held on May 1, 2015 in the Hall of Governors. This annual program celebrates the accomplishments of the student leaders, officers in student clubs and organizations, and student athletes. This year we have seen phenomenal programs, fundraisers, and new initiatives from our award winning clubs. Currently Student Life recognizes more than 75 clubs and organizations, with eight new organizations starting this past year. During this year’s celebration, awards were given in 12 categories, and the recipients were selected from a record setting 161 nominations. The award for Outstanding Support Staff recognizes full-time or part-time, administrative support staff member who provides service and support to a student organization. This person goes above and beyond their job description to ensure the success of student organizations at GSU. The Outstanding Support Staff Award recipient was Nancy Rios.
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The Outstanding Student Club/Organization Advisor recognizes an outstanding administrator, staff or faculty member currently serving as an advisor or co-advisor for a recognized student club or organization. The nominees have displayed outstanding service in the growth and development of the students involved. The Advisor of the Year recipient was Caron Jacobson.
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In this historic Transformational year for GSU, the Student Leadership Awards awarded its first Freshman of the Year Award. These students, nominated by faculty members and advisors have displayed commitment to their academic success, and campus involvement. We congratulate all who were nominated. The 2015 Freshman of the Year recipient was Gabriella Pierre Louis.
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The Rising Star Award is presented to a group of students who are in their first year of service to a club, organization, or program. The students’ service can be through club membership or executive board leadership. The nominees have demonstrated a level of service and dedication to their club that has promoted the mission and values of the organization. The 2015 Rising Stars selected were Brenda Torres Eric Rosas Felice Kimbrew Juan Gutierrez Trauvell Crawford
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The nominees in this New Student Club of the Year category have been established as a club during the 2014-2015 year. They have been recognized by Student Life and the Student Senate, and are working toward building membership, creating new programs, and providing initiatives that speak to a specific area of interest. The New Student Organization of the Year selected was The Trans4mation Gospel Choir.
The Outstanding Athletes of the Year have shown dedication to their studies, teammates, and the GSU Athletic Program. The recipients this year were Raven Phillips, Women’s Basketball and Christopher Seaton, Men’s Basketball.
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The Outstanding Student Award is awarded to an undergraduate as well as a graduate student. The students selected were Michael Alexander for Outstanding Graduate Student, and Christopher Brennan for Outstanding Undergraduate Student.
Freshman Award — President Elaine Maimon, recipient Gabriella Pierre Louis, Provost Deborah Bordelon, and Dean of Students Dr. Aurelio Valente.
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The Program of the Year Award recognizes the activity, event, or program that best exposed students to opportunities to learn more about themselves and others, promote a sense of campus community, and leadership. The programs nominated were all sponsored by a recognized Student Life club/organization. The 2015 Program of the Year selected was Passport World, sponsored by the International Culture Organization.
SLA Athletes — Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Aurelio Valente, President Elaine Maimon, Coach Bates, Christopher Seaton, Provost Deborah Bordelon, Raven Phillips, and Coach Burrell.
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The nominees in the highly coveted Student Organization of the Year Award have all worked extremely hard this year to create motivating, engaging, and educational programs for the GSU campus community. They have worked to motivate their membership, and increase their visibility, and promote the mission of their organizations. The deserving recipient of this award is the Social Work Student Organization. Lisa Jurgenson, President and Dr. Phyllis West, Advisor.
SWSO — l to r: May Salman, Latesha Newson, Dion Walker, Abdulaziz Syed, Michael Alexander, Brianna Stelmaszek, Tracy Stephen, and Lisa Jurgenson.
This year we introduced the Elaine P. Maimon Award. It is designed to celebrate the accomplishments of a president of a student organization. The nominees have demonstrated leadership through service to their club, and dedication to their club members and mission. The inaugural recipient of the Elaine P. Maimon Award for 2015 was Mirabel Wiryen, President of the International Culture Organization. President Maimon presents the Elaine P. Maimon Award to Mirabel Wiryen.
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Career Services Supports Jaguars on the Rise Tanisha Bond, Spring 2015 graduate in Communications
Katrina Koltz, Spring 2015 graduate in Physical Therapy
Thanks to Career Services, I landed an awesome internship opportunity in social media with the Village of Park Forest. Not only did I get a chance to meet some new people but this internship has definitely pushed me to become a more creative and determined individual. As a student who is about to go out into the real world, your internship gives you a quick glance as to what companies are looking for and it also gives you a chance to learn some various aspects from a “hands-on” point of view. My advice for anyone who is beginning their internship is to absorb as much as information as possible because it will only help enhance your experience. Also, meet as many new faces as you possibly can because those new faces can become awesome friends in the future.
Career Services provided me with the tools and the programming, like the Negotiating the Job Offer workshop, that empowered me to make appropriate and professional decisions when accepting and negotiating my first job at Physical Therapy and Spine in Tinley Park! Career Services was invaluable to me throughout my time at GSU and helped to prepare me for the workforce. Ron Mudiappa, Spring 2015 graduate in Communications. As graduation day approaches, I cannot help but feel anxious of the world that is beyond academia. There is a sense of reality that sinks in with each student that completes their education. I can relate to this feeling and that is why I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked at the Office of Career Services. Over the past eight months, I have been lucky to experience a professional culture such as this. While working at the office, I learned to meet student’s needs, work together with my coworkers to be effective in helping students, and finally to be excellent in my own professional life.
Hillary Carrol, Spring 2015 graduate in Public Relations and Advertising In fall 2012 I came to GSU as a transfer student from Moraine Valley Community College. I chose to get involved early and signed on to participate in a four credit hour internship with Silver Pen as a copy editor and social media marketing ambassador. Karl Rademacher, President of Silver Pen, recognized my talents and determination and recommended me for a paid internship opportunity with HTCIA (High Technology Crime Investigation Association). It was extremely challenging at first navigating through a technical organization from a non-technical point of view. My learned skills and course work at GSU were directly applicable to my duties as an intern with HTCIA. In August of 2013, I attended the annual International Training Conference and Expo in Summerlin, NV as a co-marketing chair. I continued my working relationship with HTCIA and in 2014 returned to their conference held in Austin, TX. This past spring semester, the final semester of my undergrad, I was instrumental in sanctioning a new student charter at the Illinois Institute of Technology sponsored by the Midwest Chapter of HTCIA. Karl, former HTCIA Midwest Chapter President and current Treasurer, was recently hired by the University of Chicago as Director of Security in their Center for Data Intensive Science. Knowing my work ethic and ability to concurrently manage school work, a full time job, and internship responsibilities, he suggested my name for an open Business Administrator position in CDIS. I was ecstatic to be offered the position and I know I would not have been afforded the opportunity if it wasn’t for my internship experience during my time at GSU. Career Services helped to facilitate and foster the working relationships that translated into my being offered a role in an organization working toward the betterment of science, computation, and quality of life. This May I graduated from GSU with a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising with a 4.0 cumulative GPA. It was difficult, rewarding, and ultimately one of the best decisions I made to get involved. I am proud to have a job supporting experts in the fields of Biomedical discovery and research and I am truly thankful for everything my GSU internships did to help prepare me on my path to success.
As I start my new job as an Insurance Sales Representative at Liberty Mutual Insurance next week, I can be confident in knowing that my professional experiences at the Office of Career Services will aide me in the success of my new career. This was only possible because of my coworkers engaging in their strong belief to provide excellent and knowledgeable service to anyone that they interacted with. Without their example, I would not be where I am today. Ammanuel Melaku Ayalew, current graduate student in Communications and Training. “The Office of Career Services and the Graduate Professional Network have been important resources from day one. As an international student who is used to a different job market, they helped me acclimate to the job hunt in the US and assisted me with my Graduate Assistantship search. As a result, I was able to land a GA position as a Sports Information Assistant with the Athletics department, which is along my career path. Their career workshops and one-on-one mentoring programs have been invaluable to me as they helped differentiate myself and strengthen my understanding of what employers are seeking. Without a doubt, others can greatly benefit from their services. Kudos to the Office of Career Services and the GPN!
For more information on internships, contact Career Services at: 708.235.3974 or career@govst.edu
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GSU Hosts 2nd Annual Relay For Life
GSU Student Senate members l to r: Critisha Ashley, Michael Alexander, NaTasha Dillard, Yolanda Pitts, Betty Campbell, and Mychael Vanarsdale; center: Marie Penny
Students Cherish Brown (l) and Kimberly Davis ( r) are joined by Dennis Dent, Coordinator for Campus Programs and Community Service
On Friday, April 10, 2015, Student Life sponsored the annual Relay for Life celebration. At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. The funds raised truly make a difference in the fight against cancer, and go to benefit nearly 14 million cancer survivors nationwide. Jaguar Nation made a great effort to support the American Cancer Society to reach its dream of “A World Without Cancer.” This year 81 members of the community, comprising 17 teams raised a total of $9,001.38. Congratulations to Doria Scott, who served as the student chairperson and was the top fundraiser with $737.00. The top fundraising team was Purple Reign led by Shaniqua Jones raised $1,411.57. Relay for Life will be held annually during the close of the Spring Semester. You may volunteer to organize the 2016 program, form a team, and help us to reach our goal by emailing Dennis Dent, Coordinator of Campus Programs and Community Service, at ddent@govst.edu.
Social Workers on a Mission! Front Row l to r: Michael Alexander, Lisa Jurgenson, Nancy Vasquez, Back Row l to r: Briana Stelmaszek, Jax, May Salman
#SaveOurEducation — No Cuts for GSU! On April 22, GSU students, staff and friends boarded a bus to Springfield to rally against the proposed budget cuts to higher education in Illinois. The GSU student delegation was determined to have their voices heard by state legislators and the Governor of Illinois. Rallying beneath the statue of President Abraham Lincoln outside the Capitol Building, the group let onlookers know in no uncertain terms where GSU students stand on the issue of budget cuts to Illinois public higher education.
The Springfield trip was the culminating event in a GSU Student Senate campaign entitled #SaveOurEducation. The campaign included writing postcards informing government officials about the university’s positive contributions to the state and to voice opposition to the proposed cuts, writing letters to the editor of newspapers, tweeting and posting facts about GSU on social media. In Springfield, the students delivered the postcards to their state legislators. They also delivered a Change.org petition to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office. The petition was signed by hundreds of
GSU Students in action!
GSU students and others who care about Illinois public higher education. Outside of the Capitol the students performed a peaceful demonstration holding signs that said “No Cuts to GSU.” While at the Capitol, the students met with State Senators Napoleon Harris-D (15th) and Michael Hastings-D (19th), and Rep. Anthony Deluca-D (80th). Rep. Will Davis-D (30th) and Senator Hastings recognized GSU students from the floor of the Illinois House. It was a powerful day! The student senate worked with Maureen Kelly, Director of Government Relations, Keisha Dyson and Phil Allen, GSU’s Marketing Department, and their advisor Sheree Sanderson.
State Senators Napoleon Harris-D (15th) and Michael Hastings-D (19th) having fun with GSU students and staff.
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Community Placement Survey Results This past spring, with the endorsement of the Provost, Deans, and Academic Affairs Council, the Office of Career Services developed the first university-wide Community Placement Survey. Career Services asked Internship Advisory Council members, in addition to other faculty and staff that worked directly with placing students into internships, to complete the survey. The aggregated data was collected to document the impact on the GSU student community as well as local employers and organizations who participated with our students. The Community Placement Survey was the first of its kind to attempt to collect internship placement data across the university. The initial format was designed to simplify reporting information and counted internships that were placed for academic credit only. With the results in, over 1100 students were placed in the Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 academic semesters in both clinical and non-clinical internships across all academic divisions! It is hoped that moving forward, faculty and staff will utilize the survey report to continue the upward trend of bringing together GSU students, faculty, staff and employers for enriching learning opportunities that integrate both theory and experience into best practices.
For more information on internships, contact Career Services at: 708.235.3974 or career@govst.edu
New Student Programs Welcome New Cohort Advisor and NODA Interns In preparation for the upcoming Fall semester, GSU is hosting two Student Affairs graduate students through participation in the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) Internship program. This highly competitive program matches orientation, transition, and retention professionals and host institutions with energetic, dedicated students looking to expand their orientation experience and connections. NODA Internships take place during the summer months. This summer, GSU is thrilled to welcome Joshua Davis and Mat Greer as our NODA Interns. Joshua Davis is a spring 2014 graduate of Clayton State University located in the southern Metro Atlanta, Georgia area. Beginning in the fall of 2015, he will begin studies at Syracuse University towards the degree of Master of Science in Higher Education. Joshua is very excited to be a part of the Jaguar family for the summer, working with the amazing Summer 2015 ROAR Orientation Leader team along with contributing to the ROAR program to meet the needs of the growing four-year institutional culture of Governors State University.
GSU welcomes Nicholas Hyer to serve as the Cohort Advisor and New Student Programs Coordinator for the 2015 Freshmen Class and is committed to the academic success of the cohort. He earned his master’s degree in Counselor Education – College Counseling, from Mississippi State University and has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education and Interpretation from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Nicholas was heavily involved in housing and residence life at both his alma maters and also worked as a graduate assistant in the career center at Mississippi State University. His culminating internship for his master’s degree was at Mississippi State University for Women where he did counseling and outreach through the university’s counseling center. He has spent the last 3 years at Virginia Tech as an Assistant Director in their Student Success Center. Nicholas is particularly interested in the topics of motivation, leadership, and mentoring. He looks forward to getting to know GSU faculty/staff and finding ways to collaborate for the benefit of our amazingly talented students.
Mat Greer is a graduate of Stockton University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Elementary Education and minors in Mathematics and Business Studies. In the fall he will be attending Rutgers University to obtain a master’s degree in College Student Affairs. Mat is a resident of New Jersey and has lived there all of his life. He looks forward to an exciting summer with the ROAR leaders and enhancing the orientation experience! 6
SALUTE Induction Ceremony
The SALUTE (Service – Academics – Leadership – Unity – Tribute – Excellence) Veterans National Honor Society Induction Ceremony was held in Engbretson Hall on May 1, 2015. Eighteen inductees were presented with their honor cord, coin, and certificate by Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings, Illinois State Representative Al Riley, President Maimon, and Provost Bordelon. Senator Hastings is an Army West Point Graduate while Representative Riley served in the active and reserve Army from 1972-1978.
The graduates who were inducted into membership in SALUTE represent every slice of American military and veterans in higher education at GSU. Members include retirees, disabled veterans, active duty military, National Guard and reservists who are returning to higher education, starting second careers, or helping fund their college careers with military service. Faculty, staff, and fellow students offered a salute to our 2015 SALUTE recipients – including President Obama (with the help of Assistant Dean of Students, Sheree Sanderson)!
Emergency Contact Self-Service
Happy Birthday US Army!
In case of emergency, who should GSU call? As of April 2015, there is a new feature in the myGSU portal that allows students to provide emergency contact information. The information provided is stored directly in our database and will be used only in case of emergency. The only GSU staff who will have access to this information are GSU’s first responders. The United States Army turned 240 years old on Sunday, June 14, 2015 and the Veterans Resource Center hosted a birthday celebration on Monday, June 15, 2015 in the Hall of Governors. VRC staff and student veterans served birthday cake to over 300 faculty, staff, and students. Also, cash donations were accepted and presented to the Manteno Veterans Home, only one of four Veteran Homes in Illinois. On deck for the next celebration – The United States Coast Guard, August 4, 2015.
To enter your emergency contact information, follow these steps. For Students: - Online Services -> Academic Profile-> Emergency Information
For more help, use the “How do I …?” dropdown menu in myGSU for this and many other helpful quick guides.
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Spring 2015 Snapshots
Tau Sigma Family
Meet our new ROAR Leaders
Tau Sigma Inductees Keep it All in the Family! L to r: Karolyn Grissom, her daughter, Pamela Jones, and grandson Mathew Brown receive their cords.
Getting ready to ROAR! (Resources, Orientation, Advising, and Registration) Front Row l to r: Brittany Smith, Justin Smith, Ju’Juan Day, Nekia Driver, Jontae Rutledge, Dionna Gordon, Delia Cherrington, Jessica Love-Jordon, Damian Alvarez; Back Row l to r: Juan Gutierrez, Chris Seaton, Kevin Green, Derrick Brown, Briana White, Jeremy Williams, Andrew Head, and Dominique Hunt.
SAAM YWCA
Sarah and Jax
Robert Clay-Director of Intercultural Student Affairs, Dorri McWhorter-CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, Joyce Coleman-Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Title XI Officer and Amanda Evans-Adjunct Faculty in Psychology and the YWCA as Recruiter/Trainer celebrate the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding between GSU and the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
Sarah Jasso serving up ice cream to Jax on Volunteer Appreciation Day.
SAVE THE DATE! for a fun-filled weekend at GSU Friends and Family Weekend October 9 - 10 www.govst.edu/weekend
For new, updates, and complete calendar of events, visit: www.govst.edu/campus_life/ 8